IELTS Super Achievers Club, Speaking questions & model answers

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions & Model Answers

The questions below were shared by a test taker from the UK. These model answers show a great way to respond to the questions, should you get them in your own exam.

Speaking test, Part 3 (Discussion) questions

1. What are some common challenges elderly people face?

There are quite a few, but I think the biggest one is being misunderstood. The generation gap is widening, and the young people of today have widely different opinions about life than the elderly. This usually leads to misunderstandings, broken relationships and ultimately loneliness. On the physical side, health issues like arthritis, reduced mobility, and chronic illnesses can make daily tasks more difficult. Financial challenges are another common problem, especially for those who didn’t save enough for retirement or rely solely on pensions.

2. How can young people help the elderly in their daily lives?

Young people can make a huge difference in the lives of elderly people by simply being present and offering support. When I was a kid, my dad would make us volunteer at the weekends at an old age home. I remember how happy the people there would get just to see us and talk to us. They would tell us all about their lives and experiences, and we would play board games, and listen to music. Some practical things young people could do is help with shopping, running errands, or even just helping them navigate technology.

3. Do you think families should take full responsibility for caring for elderly relatives? Why or why not?

I think it depends on a lot of factors, and there is no one size fits all answer. In my culture, families take care of the elderly and there really is no question of them living elsewhere. They are treated with the utmost respect, and almost all major decisions require their input. However, there are cases where the safety and the health of the elderly person would be better in an old age home with medical professionals. Family members might simply not have the skills and equipment needed to give their elderly family members the best possible care.

4. How can governments support elderly people in society?

Governments can do a lot to improve their quality of life. For starters, they can provide financial assistance, like pensions or subsidies, to ensure that older people can afford basic necessities. Healthcare is another big area, and governments can offer free or heavily subsidised medical care, including regular check-ups and access to medications. They could also invest in community programs, like senior centers or social activities, to help combat loneliness.

5. Do you think elderly people today have a better or worse quality of life compared to the past? Why?

I think it’s a bit of a mixed bag. In some ways, elderly people today have a better quality of life. Advances in healthcare mean that people are living longer and healthier lives, and technology has made it easier to stay connected with loved ones or access services. However, there are also challenges that didn’t exist in the past. For example, families are often more spread out these days, so elderly people might not have the same level of support from their children or grandchildren.

6. How can technology make life easier for older people?

Well, it can, but it also comes with quite the learning curve for them. For instance, smartphones and tablets can help them stay connected with family and friends through video calls. There are also health-related wearable devices that monitor heart rate or blood pressure, which helps to keep them safe. Even something as simple as online shopping can be a game-changer, allowing them to order groceries or medications without leaving the house.